Virginia Tech (8-3) vs. Virginia (6-5) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

The two are playing for the sheer joy of the rivalry – there’s no pressure other than that.

Both teams are going bowling. Both are out of the ACC title chase. Both have solid coaching situations and are closing out successful seasons.

But now it’s time to go for the bragging rights.

Virginia has hit a bit of a wall, losing four of the last five games, but it gave Miami a mega-scare for about three quarters last week, beat Georgia Tech, and has been generally entertaining. Okay, so part of that is because the defense stinks, but at least the Cavs are relevant again.

Virginia Tech might have been hoping for more, especially considering it lost to Georgia Tech, but there’s hardly any shame in dropping games to Clemson and Miami.

But losing to Virginia to close out losing three of the final four games? No, that’s very, very far from okay.

One Reason Why Virginia Tech Will Win

Yeah, about that Cavalier defense – it’s having issues.

Micah Kiser might be one of the nation’s top linebackers, and Quin Blanding is one of the best safeties, but there aren’t more of them to help keep teams from running well.

The Cavaliers aren’t getting bludgeoned, but they’re allowing a steady 200+ yard games with two or more touchdowns scores on them in five of the last six. Miami only ran for 148 and two touchdowns, but the yards were effective.

The D is allowing 31 points or more in each of the last five games, and while the offense has had its moments, it hasn’t been good enough to keep up.

The Hokies offense might not be amazing, but it’s fine. The defense that’s second in the nation in third down stops does the rest.

One Reason Why Virginia Will Win

Yeah, Kurt Benkert. What you did vs. Miami for most of the game – more of that, please.

He threw a pick that turned out to be a really, really big deal, but he also bombed away against the ball-hawking, turnover-chain wearing Canes averaging over ten yards per throw.

Amazing, Benkert hit 76% of his passes for 384 yards and four touchdowns, but the team couldn’t keep it up for a full 60 minutes.

The Virginia Tech secondary is outstanding thanks to a strong pass rush, but Benkert has to be the veteran presence at home who can keep the pressure on. The Hokies haven’t faced a quarterback who can sling it like this since the win over Will Grier and West Virginia.

What’s Going To Happen

The Hokie offense might not be doing too much, the Virginia defense might not be doing too much, and the two teams are losing a bit too much in November going a combined 2-4.

But in a fight, the Hokies will overcome the dud against Pitt – a 20-14 win – with a stronger day from the defense that will control the field position leading to a few easy scores in the second half.

Beckert will have to throw to get back in the game, but he won’t be Miami sharp. Virginia Tech’s pass rush will make sure of that.